Novel steroidal hydroxamic acid



United States Patent 3,127,406 NOVEL STEROIDAL HYDROXAMIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND PROCESSES FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE Eugene P. ()liveto, Glen Ridge, N.J., assignor to Schering Corporation, Bloomfield, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey No Drawing. Filed Nov. 25, 1960, Ser. No. 71,458

' Claims. (Cl. 260-287) and includes the method of their manufacture and novel 16-desoxy-l7-nitrite androstane and estrane intermediates useful in their manufacture.

Included in this invention are 17a-aza-D-homo steroids of the androstane and estrane series of Formulae I, H and III, which compounds are of the general class termed hydroxamic acids since they possess the radical,

or are ester or ether derivatives thereof:

l F I t" (jg/V RO- I (|)W (\i/ O U 0: III

wherein A is a member of the group consisting of H and methyl; R is a member of the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, and an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms; R is a member of the group consisting of. H and an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms; and W is a member of the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, and an acyl radical of an acid of the group consisting of carboxylic acids having up to eight carbon atoms and sulfonic acids.

The bond linking the nuclear 13-carbon with the angular 19-carbon is designated by the wavy line (E) to indicate that both the Boa-methyl and l3fi-rnethyl isomers are encompassed by this invention. In this application, therefore, a compound named in the plural, such as 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3a,17a-diol-17-ones, indicates that both the Bot-methyl and 13/8-methyl isomers are included. A compound named in the singular with no special designation for the C-l3 configuration, e.g. l7a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3a,17a-dioll7-one is understood to be the 13,8-methyl isomer, whereas a 13-iso-steroid, e.g. l7a-aza-D-homo-5a-13-isoandrostane- 3a,17a-diol-17-one, is one possessing the Bot-methyl configuration.

By lower alkyl is contemplated hydrocarbons having preferably up to four carbon atoms and include groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl and t-butyl.

Illustrative of the acyloxy radicals contemplated are lower alkanoates such as acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate and t-butylacetate; aroyl esters such as benzoate and toluate; esters from dibasic organic acids such as succinate, phthalate and sulfobenzoate. Also included in the term acyloxy radicals are the alkali metal salts of the dibasic carboxylic acid esters such as for example the 3-sodinm hemisuccinate of 17a-aza-D-homo- 13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17-one. Among the sulfonic acids which form l7a-esters are p-toluenesulfonic acid and methanesulfonic acid.

Among the hydroxamic acid derivatives of Formulae I, II and III which are therapeutically active as described hereinbelow are 17a-aza-estratrienes such as 1.7a-aza-D- homo-13-iso-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one, the 3-acetate and 3-benzoate esters thereof, and its diesters which include the 3,17a-diacetate and the B-acetate l7a-benzoate; 17a-aza-D-homo-l 3-iso-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-rnethylether, its esters such as the 17a-p-toluenesulfonate, l7a-benzoate, and 17a-acetate, and 17a-ethers, for example, 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 1,3,5(l())-estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one dimethylether and the corresponding 13,8-methyl isomers of the aforementioned estratrienes. Other valuable derivatives are 17a-aza-androstanes such as 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3oc-l7a-diol-l7-one, the 3-acetate, 3,17a-diacetate and 3-acetate l7a-p-toluenesulfonate esters thereof, and

the l7a-lower alkyl ethers thereof, for example, the

methyl ether; and l7a-aza-3-keto-4-androstenes such as 17a-aza-D-homot-androstene-17a-ol-3,l7-dione, the l7a-methylether derivatives thereof, and the 17a-acetate and 17a-p-toluenesulfonate esters; and l7a-aza-D-homo- 19-nor-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione, and the corresponding I30t-ISOIII6IS of the aforementioned androstanes.

The hydroxamic acids of my invention are conveniently prepared according to my process by first preparing a 17-nitrite ester of a l7-hydroxylated steroid of the estrane or androstane series possessing non-oxygenated carbon atoms adjacent to the l7-hydroxylated carbon, and then subjecting the 16-desoxy-17-nitrite ester to ultra-violet radiation which possesses a band of radiation corresponding to at least some of the absorption bands of the nitrite radical.

The l6-desoxy-17-nitrite estrane or androstane ester intermediates of my process are prepared by reacting a solution of the corresponding 16-desoxy-17-hydroxy steroid in pyridine, dirnethylformamide, ethyl acetate, or other non-polar solvent with a nitrosyl halide, preferably nitrosyl chloride. The nitrosyl chloride or bromide used may be added to the l7-hydroxy steroid solution in the same solvent as that used to dissolve the 17-hydroxy steroid, or alternatively, it may be introduced as a gas into the alcohol solution. The formation of the 17-r1itrite ester is usually rapid and the progress of the reaction may be followed by a change in the color of the solution so that when the blue-green or other color of the nitrosyl chloride is no longer discharged or changed by reaction with the dissolved 17-hydroxy steroid it can be assumed that the 17-nitrite has formed and the compound in solution is ready for separation and photolysis. The temperature at which the nitrite formation reactions are carried out range from usually -30' to +30 C. In

general, when nitrosyl chloride is the reactant used, the reaction temperature is usually in the neighborhood from C. to 30 C., and preferably at 15 C. to 20 C.

After completion of the formation of the 17-nitrite ester, the nitrite is separated usually by adding water to the solution to precipitate the nitrite and by subsequent filtering followed by crystallization and recrystallization, if desired.

Among the 16-non-oxygenated 17-hydroxylated steroids which can be usefully employed as starting materials in the process of the present invention are androstanes such as SOC-HIldl'OStElilfi 3a,l7fii diol 3 acetate, 4- androstene 17,8 ol 3 one (testosterone), and 19 nor 4 androstene 17p 01 3 one (19 nortestosterone), and estranes such as 1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3,17fi-diol 3-benzoate (estradiol benzoate), 3-rnethoxy- 1,3,5(10) estratriene 17,5 01 and 3 acetoxy 1,3, 5 -estratriene-17B-ol.

When preparing the novel 17-nitrites, it is preferable to protect any free hydroxyl groups elsewhere in the molecule. Thus, prior to reaction with nitrosyl chloride and subsequent irradiation, the 3-mono esters of estradiol and 5ot-androstane-3a,17,8-diol, eg. the benzoate or acetate, are prepared by standard methods such as the catalytic hydrogenation of the 17-ketone group in the corresponding 3-esters of estrone, or of Se-androstane- 30t-Ol-l7-Oil.

The novel 17-nitrite estrane and 17-nitrite androstane esters are necessary intermediates for the photolysis process of this invention, and are included within my inventive concept. In addition to being valuable intermediates, the 16-desoXy-17-nitrite esters are also therapeutically active. For example, estradiol 17,8-nitrite, the 3-ester and 3-ether derivatives thereof possess estrogenic and cholesterol lowering properties, whereas the androstane-17-nitrites possess androgenic activity, Sat-andro- StElIlG-3oc,l7fi-dl0l 17-nitrite and the 3-esters thereof possessing moderate androgenic properties with 4-androstene-l7fl-ol-3-one 17-nitrite being a potent androgen.

The 16-non-oxygenated-17-nitrite estrane and androstane esters, after preparation and isolation as described above, are dissolved in a non-reactive solvent prior to being irradiated by ultra-violet light according to my process. The solvent chosen preferably has a high degree of transparency to the ultra-violet radiation within the specified band of nitrite absorption. Solvents which may be used for the photolysis of the nitrite include acetic acid, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, dimethylether, dimethylformamide, dioxane, ethyl acetate, Freon 113, heptane, methanol, ethanol, methylene chloride, and toluene. Of these, benzene and toluene yield preferred results.

While the solvents used in the photolysis are ordinarily water-free, a small amount of moisture in the solvent used for photolysis does not ordinarily interfere With the progress of the ultra-violet activation and rearrangement of the nitrite in accordance vith the pres ent invention.

The ultra-violet radiation used to activate the nitrite radical so as to cause it to be transferred in part to the C13 carbon adjacent to the carbon bearing the nitrite group, with concomitant splitting of the D-ring between C-13 and C17, is that band of radiant energy which corresponds to some or all of the ultra-violet absorption of the nitrite radical, and is from 3000 A. to 4400 A. This energy is conveniently suppli d by a l-lanovia high pressure mercury arc lamp with a lyrex 4 sleeve, while the nitrite to be reacted is contained in an ultra-violet transmitting vessel such as a water cooled Vycor-immersion well.

During the course of the photolysis of a 17-nitrite ester of an estrane or androstane, a stream of nitrogen or other inert gas is generally bubbled through the solution (although not always necessary) to keep the nitrite solution protected by an inert atmosphere.

The photolysis of the nitrite ester which is carried on by irradiation with the selected band of ultra-violet radiation is monitored from time to time by infrared spectrophotometry of an aliquot, and the reaction is complete when the infrared absorption spectra lack the characteristic spectra of the nitrite radical.

My process whereby a steroidal 16-desoxy-17-nitrite estrane or androstane is irradiated by ultra-violet light is usually carried out utilizing a 200 Watt mercury lamp as an ultra-violet light source with the irradiated material being dissolved in benzene and kept under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction is usually carried out at temperatures ranging from 10-50 C. and preferably in the range of 1840 C.

By my process of photolyzing a 17-nitrite ester of an androstane or estrane, there is obtained a mixture of isomeric Bot-methyl and 13fi-rnethylhydroxamic acids. These mixtures are separable by partition chromatographic techniques or, advantageously, by fractional crystallization. Of the hydroxamic acids of general Formulae II and III obtained by photolyzing 17-nitrite esters of 17-hydroxylated androstanes (including 17-hydr0xylated-19-norandrostanes), the 13,6-methyl isomers are usually the least soluble in organic crystallizing solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate, and the like. Thus, when fractionally crystallizing an isomeric mixture of a 17aaza D homoandrostane or a 17a aza D homo 19- norandrostane, the Bil-methyl isomer usually predominates in the first crystalline fractions, with the corresponding 13a-methyl isomer, i.e. the 17a-aza-D-homo- 13 isoandrostanes or 17a aza D homo 13 iso 19'- norandrostanes remaining in the filtrate. On the other hand, in an isomeric mixture of a hydroxamic acid of general Formula I, obtained as described herein from 17-nitrite esters of 17-hydroxyestranes, the l3unethyl isomers, i.e. the 17a-aza-D-homo-13-isoestranes, are usually the least soluble in organic solvents and thus predominate in early crystallizing fractions, the corresponding 13fl-methyl isomers remaining in solution.

By my process, as described hereinabove, a compound such as estradiol 3-benzoate is first reacted with nitrosyl chloride in pyridine to yield estradiol 3-benzoate 17- nitrite which, upon irradiation by a 200 watt mercury lamp while in a benzene solution and under an atmosphere of nitrogen, yields a mixture of the C-13 isomeric l7a-aza-D-homohydroxamic acids of Formula I, 17aaza D homo 13 iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene 3,17adiol-17-one B-benzoate and 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate which are separable by fractional crystallization from acetone, the 13- iso-17a-aza-D-homoestratriene isomer being the first to come out of solution.

Other 16-desoxy-l7-nitrite esters convertible to 17aaza-Dhomo steroids by my process are androstanes such as 5a-androstane-3u,17,8-diol 3-acetate17-nitrite, testosterone nit-rite, 19-nortestosterone nitrite; and estranes such as estradiol 3-benzoate 17-nitrite, estradiol B-acetate 17-nitrite, and estradiol S-rnethylether 17-nitrite which, upon ultra-violet light irradiation yield, respectively, 17aaza-D-homo-Sa-androstane 3a,'17 a-diol-17-one El-acetate,

17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione, 17a-aza- D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione, 17a-aza- D-homo-l,3,5(10)-estr atriene 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate, 17aana-D-homo1,3,5(10)=estratriene 3,17a-diol-17- one 3-acetate, and 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(l 0)estratriene- 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylet her and their respective 13a methyl isomers.

While most of the 17-nitrite esters described herein are in a fi-position, the 17a-nitrite esters of 16-non-oxygenated estranes and androstanes are also convertible by my process to the hydroxamic acids of Formulae I, II and III. Thus, for example, when either 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene- 3,17ot-diol-3methylether 17-nitrite or the 17,8-isomer thereof, estradiol 3-methylether 17-nitrite, is irradiated with ultra-violet light, there is obtained the same product, i.e. a mixture of l7-a-aza-D-homo-d3-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratniene-3,l7a-diol-17-one 3-methylether and 17a-aza-D homo-1,'3,5(lO)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17 one 3 methylether.

The 17a-esters and 17a-ethers of general Formulae I, II and III are obtained from the corresponding hydroxamic acids by conventional techniques such as, when a 17aester is desired, that utilizing acid anhydrides in pyridine or when preparing a 17a-alkyl ether, that utilizing diazomethane or diazoethane in ether or an alkyl halide in alkalineethanol. Thus, 17a aza D-homo-a-androst'ane- 3oz,17,8-di0l diacetate is prepared from the corresponding 3ot-monoacetate ester by reaction with acetic anhydride in pyridine. Additionally, 17a aza-Dhomo-4-androstene l7a-ol-3,l7-dione 17a-methylether is obtained by reacting he corresponding 17a-hydroxy compound with excess diazomethane in ether.

An alternate method of preparing a .17a-aza-D-homo- 1,3,5(-estratriene of general Formula I is by dehydrogenation of a corresponding l7a-azta-D-homo-l9-nor-4- androstene-3-one of Formula III either by microbiological techniques such as Corynebacterium simplex utilizing the process described in U.S. Patent No. 2,837,464, or by chemical methods such as that utilizing selenium dioxide in dioxane.

Thus, according to my invention, a hydroxamic acid of Formula I such as l7a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3,17a-diol-l7-one is obtained by photolyzing 1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,17fi-diol 3-acetate 17-nitrite followed by separation of the l3-methyl isomeric hydroxamic acid mixture thereby formed via, for example, fractional crystallization from acetone-hexane. The l3l3-methyl isomer, i.e. 17a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,17a-diol-l7- one 3-acetate is first recovered from the filtrate of the corresponding l3-iso estratriene 3-acetate isomer, followed by hydrolysis with, for example, 5% methanolic potassium hydroxide to give 17a-a2Ja-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one. Alternatively, microbiological dehydrogenation of 17a-aza-D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene- 17 a'ol-3,l7-dione with Carynebacterium simplex yields directly the desired 17aazaD-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3,17a-diol-17-one.

In a similar manner, a 13-iso isomer such as 17a-aza-D- homo-l3-iso-19-nor-4 androstene-17a-ol-3,17 dione 17aacetate is dehydrogenated with Corynebacterium simplex to yield the 13-iso estratriene, 17a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso- =1,3,5 (l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 17a-acetate.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description is given as being exemplary of the invention but is not to be construed as restrictive thereof.

Other androstanes which may utilize my novel process for conversion to hydroxamic acids similar to those of Formula III, are those which at position 6 are substituted with a halogen or alkyl group; and/or having at positions 9 and 11 a double bond or a 9a-halogen-11B- hydroxyl or a 9-hydrogen-l15-hydroxyl, or a 9a-halogenll-keto or a 9-hydrogen-11-keto group; and/or at position 16 there may be a methyl, halogen, or gem-difluoro group. Additionally, in the hydroxamic acids of Formula III, there may be a double bond between positions 1 and 2.

Similarly, other estnatrienes suitable for conversion to hydroxamic acids of Formula II are those having an additional double bond between C9 and C-11, and those possessing a B-hydroxy or ll-keto group at C-ll and/ or at Cl6, a halogeno, an alkyl (e.g. methyl) or a 16,16- gel -difiuoro moiety.

The novel hydroxamic acids of Formulae I, II and III are valuable therapeutic agents.

The l7a-aza-estratrienes of Formula I are useful, therapeutically active compounds in that they exhibit a low estrogenic activity in conjunction with a strong lipid-shifting effect (i.e. these compounds cause a reduction in the serum phospholipids as well as a lowering of the serum cholesterol as tested in the male rat). This combination of low estrogenic and high lipid-shifting properties renders the novel estratrienes of Formula I valuble in the treatment and prevention of conditions which are caused by abnormal cholesterol metabolism and deposition. The 17a-aza-estratrienes possessing a 17 a-hydroxy group are .preferred as a therapeutic agent over the other estratrienes of Formula I when treating degenerate diseases such as atherosclerosis.

The 17a-aza-androstanes and the 17a-aza-4-androstenes of Formulae II and III, respectively are valuable therapeutically in that they possess androgenic activity. They are thus valuable in alleviating disorders such as .male hypogonadism and male climacteric and, in the female, for ailments such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual tension and suppression of lactation. The compounds of this invention are formulated for administration in preparations similar to those used in other known androgenic agents such as testosterone, the concentration and/ or dosage used being based on the activity of the particular compound.

Additionally, the Sea-androstane derivatives of Formula II are therapeutically valuable in that they cause a reduction in serum cholesterol. This property renders these compounds valuable in the treatment and prevention of diseases accompanied by an increase in serum cholesterol,

glycol. These lactams thus formed by reduction of the hydroxamic acids I, II and III have the following formulae:

Q RO-- i RO- i (\E/ A I wherein A is hydrogen or methyl; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl or anacyl radical of a carboxylic acid having up 7 to eight carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen or an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

The 13-iso lactams of the above formulae are therapeutically valuable compounds. The 13-iso estratriene lac tams (IV) such as 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3-ol-17-one 3-benzoate, possess estrogenic activity; whereas 13-isoandrostane lactams V and VI such as l7a-aza-D-homo-5a-13-isoandrostane-3ot-ol-17-one 3- acetate and l7a-aza-D-homo-13-iso 4 androstene-3,17'- dione respectively, possess androgenic activity, the 3-keto- A -13-iso lactams of Formula VI advantageously possessing a favorable androgenic/ anabolic ratio.

The following are examples which illustrate my invention. They are not to be construed as limiting, however, the scope of my invention being limited by the appended claims only.

EXAMPLE 1 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-5u-Andr0stane-3a,1 7a-Di0l-1 7-0ne 3- A cetate and 1 7a-A za-D-Hom -5 ot-l 3-Is0androstane-3 a, 17a-Di0l-17-One 3 -A cetate A. aANDRO SlTANE 30z,17B-DIOL 3-ACETATE l17-NITRITE To a stirred solution of 100 mg. of Sa-androStane-Ba, 17,8-diol 3-acetate in 5 ml. of pyridine at '-20 C., there is added dropwise a saturated solution of nitrosyl chlo ride in pyridine until a permanent blue color is obtained.

The solution is stirred for two minutes longer and then diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered,

Washed with water, dried in vacuo at room temperature and crystallized from ether-pentane to give Sea-androstane- 30:,17fl-di0l B-acetate 17-nitrite, M.P. 177180 C., dec.,

(YT-ONE 3 ACETATE A solution of 500 mg. of 5a-androstane-3a,l7fi-diol 3-acetate 17-nitrite in 170 ml. of benzene at 18 C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen is irradiated for one hour with a 200 watt mercury lamp (Pyrex filter). The solution is then evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized three times from ether-acetone to give 17a aza-D-homo-S a-androstane-3 a,17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate,

C. 17a-AZA-D-HOMO-5w13-ISOANDROSTANE-3a,17a- ,DIOL-17-ONE 3-ACETATE The ether-acetone filtrate from the first crystallization in Example 1B is concentrated to about one-fourth its original volume, then cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried to give substantially 17a-aza-D-homo- Sot-13-isoandrostane-3a,17a-diol-l7-one 3-aceate.

EXAMPLE 2 A 1 7 a-A za-D-H 0m0-4 -A ndrostene-Z 7 a-Ol-3,1 7-Di0ne and 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-1 3-1.5'0 4 Androstene-Z 7a-Ol-3,1 7- Dione A. 4 ANDRO STENE-17fl-OL-3-ONE 17-NITRITE To a solution of 8.35 g. of 4-androstene-l7 8-ol-3-one in 120 ml. of pyridine, cooled to 20 C. is added dropwise a saturated solution of nitrosyl chloride in pyridine until a permanent blue color is obtained. The solution is then diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered and dried in vacuo to give 4-androstene-17fl-ol-3- one 17-nitrite, M.P. c.a. 100 C., dec., [a1 +63.

B. 17a-AZA-D-HOMO-4ANDROSTENE-17a-OL-3, 17-DIONE A solution of 13.8 g. of 4-androstene-l7/3-ol-3-one 17- nitrite in 1800 ml. of benzene at 18 C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen is irradiated for 1 /2 hours with a 200 watt mercury lamp (Pyrex filter). The solution is then evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is dissolved in about 800 ml. of acetone. The acetone solution is warmed and treated with decolorizing charcoal and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated until a solid begins to separate. The solution is cooled, the resultant precipitate filtered and the filtrate set aside. The precipitate is then recrystallized twice more from acetone to give 17a-aza- D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,l7-dione, M.P. ZZZ-223 C., [aJ +67.

C. 17 a-AZA-D-HOM0-13-ISO-4-ANDROSTENE-17 a-OL- 3,174DIONE The original acetone filtrate which was set aside in Example 2C is concentrated to one-fourth its original volume and cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried to give substantially 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-4- androstene- 1721-01-3, 17-dione.

EXAMPLE 3 A. l9-NOR-4-ANDROSTENE-17 3-OL-3ONE 17-NITRITE A solution of 8 g. of 19-nor-4-androstene-l7fi-ol-3-one in ml. of pyridine is reacted with a saturated solution of nitrosyl chloride in pyridine in the manner of Example 2A. The resultant product is isolated as described to give 19-nor-4-androstene-17fl-ol-3-one 17-nitrite, M.P. 8487 C., [C41 +9.

B. 17a-AZA-D-HOMO-1S-NORA-ANDBOSTENE-lia- 011-3517-DIONE l9-nor-4-androstene-17fi-ol-3-one 17-nitrite in benzene is irradiated with a 200 watt mercury lamp (Pyrex filter) in the manner of Example 2B. The resultant product is dissolved in acetone and separated into an acetone soluble and acetone insoluble fraction as described. The acetone insoluble fraction is recrystallized twice more from acetone to give l7a-aza-D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione, M.P. 227-235 C., [1x1 +21".

The acetone soluble fraction of Example 3B is concentrated to a residue yielding 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 19-nor-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 4 1 7 a-Aza-D-H omo-S ot-A ndr0stane-3 01,1 7a-D iol-J 7 -One 3,17a-Diacetate A. To 90 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-Sea-androstane-Ba, 17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 13) is added 3 ml. of pyridine and 0.5 ml. of acetic anhydride. The mixture is left at room temperature for 18 hours. Water is then added. A solid separates which is filtered, dried atroom temperature and crystallized from acetonehexane to give 17a-aza-D-homo-5ot-androstane-3or,17adiol-17-one 3,17a-diacetate, M.P. 173-176 C.,

B. Alternatively, the compound of this example is prepared by dissolving 1 g. of 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3a,l7a-diol-17-one 3-acetate in 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid to which is added 10 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution is stirred for 24 hours then water added. A solid separates which is filtered, dried at room temperature and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17a-aza-D-homo-5 :-androstane-3 a,17a-diol-17-one 3,17adiaoetate.

In a manner similar to Example 4B, 17a-aza-D-homo- Set-13-isoandrostane-3or,17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate is reacted with pyridine and acetic anhydride to give 17a-aza- D-hOInO-Sal 3-isoandrostane-3 0c, 17a-dioll7-one diacetate.

EXAMPLE 5 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-4-Androstene-I7a-Ol-3,17-Di0ize J 7a-A aerate and the 19-N0r Analog Thereof To 300 mg. of 17aaza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol- 3,17-dione (the compound of Example 2B) is added 2 ml. of acetic anhydride and 10 ml. of pyridine. The reaction mixture is left at room temperature for 22 hours. then i3 water is added. A precipitate results which is filtered, washed with water, dried at room temperature and crystallized from acetone-isopropylether to give l7a-aza-D- homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione 17a-acetate, M.P. 165-167 C., [041 +80.

In a similar manner, 300 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-l9- nor-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 3B) is reacted with acetic anhydride and pyridine and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 17aaza-D-homo-l9-nor-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione 17aacetate, M.P. l85188 (1., [uJ +39".

Other 17a-esters of l7a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17aol-3,l7-dione and 17a-aza-D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene- 17-ol-3,17-dione are prepared according to the above procedure by substituting for acetic anhydride the anhydride of other acids such as propionic, valeric or benzoylchloride to obtain their corresponding 17a-esters, i.e. the 1721- propionate, 17a-valerate and 17a-benzoate, respectively of 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione and 17aaza-D-homo-l9-nor-4-androstene-17-01-3,17-dione.

The Bot-methyl isomers of the compounds of this example are similarly prepared by reaction of acetic anhydride and pyridine on l7a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,l7-dione or 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-19-nor- 4-androstene-17a-ol-3,l7-dione to yield respectively 17aaza-D-homo-l3-iso-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione 17aacetate and 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-19-nor-4-androstene- 17a-ol3,17-dione 17a-acetate.

EXAMPLE 6 1 7a-A za-D-H 01710-5 a-A ndrostane-3 a,] 7a-Di0l-1 7-Oize A solution of 200 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstatic-3a,l7a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1B) in 30 ml. of methanolic potassium hydroxide is refluxed for one hour. The solution is cooled and brought to neutrality with 2 N-hydrochloric acid and evaporated in vacuo to a residue having a volume of about 2 ml. The residue is triturated with water, filtered and dried in vacuo at 60 C. and crystallized from acetonehexane to give 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-Su,

17a-diol-17-one.

In a similar manner, 17a-aza-D-homo-Sa-13-isoandrostane-3o,17a-diol-l7-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1C) is reacted with methanolic potassium hydroxide to give 17a-aza-D-homo-5ix-l3-isoandrostane-3ct,17adiol-17-one.

EXAMPLE 7 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-5a-Andr0stane-3oi,17a-Di0l-17-One J 7 a-Acetate 320 mg. of 17a-aza-D-horno-h-androstane-3ix,l7a-dioll7-one is dissolved in 20 ml. of pyridine and 0.11 ml. of acetic anhydride. The solution is kept at room temperature for 18 hours and then poured into water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17a-aza-D-homo- 5ix-androstane3u,17a-diol-17-one 17a-acetate.

Similarly, l7a-aza-D-homo-5u-13-isoandrostane-3 04,1721- diol-17-one is reacted with pyridine and acetic anhydride as hereinabove described to give 17a-aza-Dhomo-5a-13- iSoandrQstane-Ba,17a-diol-17-one 17a-acetate.

EXAMPLE 8 The 17a-Methylethers of I 7a-Aza-D-Hom0andr0stanes D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 213), 17a-aza-D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene-17aol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 3B) and the But-methyl isomers of Examples 2C and 3C are each reacted with diazomethane in the above manner to give respectively, 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-l3-isoandrostane-3ot,17adiol 3-acetate l7a-methylether, 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene17a-ol-3, 17-dione l7a-methylether, 17a-aza-D- homo-19-nor-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,17-dione 17a-methylether, 17a-aza-D-homo-l3'iso-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17- dione l7a-methylether, and 17a-aza-D-l1omo-13-iso-19- nor-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,17-dione 17a-metl1ylether.

EXAMPLE 9 1 7a-A za-D-H 02110-4 -A na'rostene-l 7 a-Ol-3,1 7-Di one 17a-Ethyletlzer One gram of 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol- 3,17-dione (the compound of Example 213) is dissolved in ml. of ether and then there is added a large molar excess of ethereal diazoethane followed by 0.1 ml. of boron trifiuoride etherate. The solution is allowed to stand for 20 hours at room temperature and is then concentrated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give l7a-aza-D-horno-4-androstene-17aol-3,17-dione 17a-ethylether.

In a similar manner, 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 2C) is reacted with diazoethane to give 17a-aza-D-homol3-iso-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione 17a-ethylether.

EXAMPLE 10 17a Aza D Homo 13 Iso 1,3,5(10) Estrazriene- 3,]7a Dz'ol 17 One 3 Benzoate and 17a Aza- D Homo 1,3,5(10) Eslratriene 3,1741 Dial 17- One S-Benzoate A. 1,3,5(10)-ESTRAJTRIENE-3,1TB-DIOL 3-BENZOATE 'l7-NITRITEl A solution of 7.15 g. of 1,3,5(lO)-estratriene-3,17B- diol 3-benzoate in 153 ml. of pyridine is cooled to 20 C. To this stirred cold solution is added a saturated solution of nitrocyl chloride in pyridine until a permanent blue color is obtained. The reaction mixture is then diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water and dried in vacuo to give 1,3,5 (10)- estratriene-3,17fi-diol 3-benzoate 17-nitrite, M.P. 167 C., dec., [mJ +8.

J3. 17a AZA-D-HOMO-1also-1,3,5(10)-E STRATRIENE- A solution of 9.82 g. of 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17/3-dio1 S-benzoate 17-nitrite in 1500 m1. of benzene is irradiated at 18 C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 2% hours with a 200 watt mercury lamp (pyrex filter). The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue (identified as R-lO-B) which is dissolved in acetone. The acetone solution is warmed, treated with decolorizing charcoal, filtered and concentrated until a solid begins to separate. The acetone solution is cooled, the resultant precipitate filtered, and the filtrate set aside. The solid residue is then recrystallized three times from acetone to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17adiol-17-one 3-benzoate, M.P. 205-210 C.

The first acetone filtrate from above Example 10B is concentrated to about one-fourth its original volume, and cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried to give l7a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17- one 3-benzoate which when recrystallized twice from methylene chloride-acetone has a MP. of 227232 C.

D. Alternatively, the compounds of Examples 10B and 10C are isolated from the mixed isomeric residue R10B of Example 103 by the following fractional crystallization technique.

Residue R-lOB is recrystallized three times from methylene chloride-methanol and is then dissolved in ll 1 acetone. The acetone solution is concentrated until a solid separates, then is cooled and filtered, the filtrate being set aside. The resultant solid residue is recrystallized from methylene chloride-acetone to give 17a-aza-D- homo1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one S-benzoate, M.P. 227-232 C., [M +63".

The acetone filtrate which had been set aside is concentrated to a residue which is recrystallized from acetone-methanol to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3, )-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate, M.P. 205- 2l0' C., [M -3.

In the above alternative method 10D, the 13-iso-estra triene isomer of this example remained in the acetone filtrate of the corresponding 13,8-rnethylestratriene, the reverse order of separation from that described in 103 and 10C. It is thus apparent that the order in which the 13- isomers crystallize from solution can be changed by Varying fractional crystallization techniques.

EXAMPLE ll 1,3,5 (10)-Estratriene-3,17(3-Di0l 3-Methylether l7-Nitrite To a stirred solution of g. of estradiol 3-methylether in 100 ml. of pyridine at 25 C. is added dropwise, the saturated solution of nitrosyl chloride in pyridine until a permanent blue color is obtained. The solution is diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, dried in vacuo at room temperature and crystallized from other to give 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene- 3,17fl-diol 3-methylether 17-nitrite, M.P. l38143 C.

EXAMPLE 12 1 ,3 ,5 (1 0)-Estrazriene-3 ,1 7 a-Di0l 3 -Methyletl1er 17-Nitrite Gaseous nitrosyl chloride is passed through a stirred solution of 500 mg. of 1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol 3- methylether in ml. of pyridine at room temperature until a solution is permanently red in color. Stirring is continued for one hour at room temperature, then the reaction mixture is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to a residue essentially of 1,3,5 (l0)-estratriene-3,17 a-diol 3-methylether l7-nitrite. This product is used without further purification in Example 13C.

7 EXAMPLE 13 17a Aza D Homo 13 Iso 1,3,5(10) Esfratriene- 3,1762 diol 17 One 3 Methylezher and 17a- Aza D Homo 1,3,5(l0) Eslratriene 3,17a Dial- 17-One 3-Methylether A. l7a=AZA-D-HOhIO-13-IS-O-1,3,5(10)JESTRA'DRIENI 3,17a-DIOL-17-ONE 3-\LUDTHYLETHER A solution of 16 g. of 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17,B-diol- S-methylether l7-nitrite (the compound of Example 11) in 1800 ml. of benzene at 18 C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen is irradiated with a 200 watt mercury lamp (pyrex filter) for 2 /2 hours. The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is triturated with ether. A solid separates which is filtered, and crystallized three times from acetone to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3, 5 10)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17-one 3-methylether, M.P. 205-207" C., [m1 :0".

DIOIrl'Z-ONE 3-ME1HYLETHER The acetone filtrate from the first crystallization of the compound of Example 10A is concentrated to about one-fourth its original volume and cooled. A solid separates which is recrystallized three times from acetoneethylacetate to give 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one B-methylether.

C. A solution of 510 mg. of 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17adiol 3-methylether 17-nitrite (the compound of Example 12) in 170 ml. of benzene under an atmosphere of nitrogen is irnadiated at lSf C. with a 2G0 watt mercury lamp (pyrex filter) for one hour. The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is triturated with ether and acetone. A solid separates which is filtered and crystallized four times from acetone to give 17a-aza-D- homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol 17 one 3- rnethylether. A mixed melt of the compound of this example with 17a-aza-D-horno-13-iso-1,3-5(10)- estratn'ene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether prepared as described in Example 13A, does not depress the melting point.

The acetone filtrate from the first acetone crystallization described in the paragraph immediately above is concentrated to about one-fourth its original volume, then cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried to yield 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, l7a-diol-17- one-3-methylet her.

EXAMPLE l4 1 7 a-Esters of 1 7 a-A za-D-H onto-Estratrienes 17a-AZA D-HOMO-13-ISO-1,3,5 (10 -E:STRATR-IENE 3,17a-DIOL-17-ONE-3-BENZOATE l7a-AC'ETATE To 500 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7a-di0*l-l7-one S-benzoate (the compound of Example 10B) is added 15 ml. of pyridine and 3 ml. of acetic anhydride. The reaction mixture is left at room temperature for 18 hours, then water added. A solid separates which is filtered, dried at room temperature and crystallized from acetonedsopropylether togive 17a-aza- D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, l7a-diol-17-one 3- benzoate 17a-acetate, M.P. 194-196" C., [M -13.

VB. l17a-AzA-D-HOM0-13-Iso1,3,5 (10)-ESTRATRIENE- 3,17a-DIOL-17-ONE 3-1VLETI-IYLETI-IER 17a-ACE1ATE 17a aza D homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-

diol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13A) is reacted with pyridine andacetic anhydride in the manner of Example 14A. The resultant product is iso lated in the described manner and crystallized from acetone to give 17a-aZa-D-h0mo-13 iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether l7a-acetate, M.P. 198- 200 C., [a] +l4.

C. In a similar manner, other 17a-lower alkanoic acid esters of 17a-aza-D- homo 13 iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3,17adiol-17-one 3-benzoate and 17a-aza-D-h0-mo-3-iso- 1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, 17 a-diol-17-one 3-methylether are prepared according to the above procedure 14A, by substituting for acetic anhydride, an anhydride of other lower alkanoic acid anhydrides such as propionic, valeric and caproic whereby are obtained the conresponding esters, i.e. 17a-aza 4 homo-l3-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17adiol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-propionate, 17a-aza-D-homo- 13-iso-1,3,5 l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-valerate, -17'a-aza D 11omo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17 a-diol-17-one S-benzoate 17a-caproate, and 17aaza-D-homo-l3-iso-1,3,5( l0) estratriene 3,17a-diol-17- one 3-methylether 17a-propionate, 17a-aza-D-homo-l3- iso- 1,3,5 10) est-ratriene-3, 1 7a-dioll7-one 3-methylether 17a-valerate, l7a-aza D homo-l3-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-di ol-l7-one 3-methylether 17a-oaproate, respectively.

In addition, by substituting the acid chloride of benzoic acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid for acetic acid in above procedures 14A and 1413, there is obtained 17a-aza-D- homo 13 iso 1,3,5 (10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3,17a-dibenzoate, 17 a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5 10) -estre.- tr-iene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-p-toluenesulfonate, 17a-aza-D-ho-mo-13-iso-1,3,5 (10)-estratriene 3,17adiol-17-one 3-methylether l7a-benzoate and 17a-aza-D- homo-13-iso-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol- 17 one 3- methylether l7a-p-toluenesulfonate, respectively.

D. 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,17a-diol-17- one 3-benzoate (the compound of Example 10C) arid 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 133) are each reacted with acetic anhydride in pyridine in the manner of Example 14A to obtain respectively 17aaza-D-homo- 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one 3-benz0ate 17a- 13 acetate, and 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17adiol-l7-one 3-methylether l7a-acetate.

Similarly, the 13,8-isomers prepared in Examples 10C and 13B when reacted with benzoyl chloride in pyridine or p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in pyridine in the manner of Example 14C yield respectively, l7a-aza-D-homo- 1,3,5(l)-estratriene-3, 17a-diol-l7-one dibenzoate, 17aaza-D-homo 1,3,5 estratriene-B,l7a-diol-17-one 3- benzoate l7 a-p-toluenesulfonate, l7a-aza-D-ho mo-1,3,5- (l0) -estratriene-3,l7-a-diol-17-one 3-methvlether 17abenzoate, and 17a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(10) estratriene- 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether 17a-p-toluenesulfonate.

EXAMPLE 17a-Aza-D-H0m0 13 lso 1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-3,J7a- Di0l-17-One 3-Acetate and 1 7aAza-D-H0m0-1,3,5- (10) -Estrzztriene-3,17a-Di0l-l7-0ne A. 1,3,5 10nsrnnrnrEnn-a,ire-Dion s-mcmmnn 'IT-NIIDRJTE A stirred solution of l g. of 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7fidiol 3-acetate in 50 ml. of pyridine at 2G C. is reacted with nitrosyl chloride in the manner of Example 1A. The resultant product is isolated as described to give 1,3,5(1O)-estratriene-3,17/3-diol 3-acetate 17-nitrite.

A solution of l g. of 1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7;3-diol 3-acetiate 17-nitrite in 100 ml. of benzene is irradiated under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 2 hours at 18 C. with a 200 watt mercury lamp (pyrex filter). The reaction mixture is evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is triturated with ether. A solid separates which is filtered and crystallized three times from acetone-hexane to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-l ,3,5 10) estratriene-3,-l7a-dioll7one 3-acetate, M.P. l87190 C., [a] +75.

'Ihe filtrate from the ether trituration and the first acetone-hexane recrystallization of the compound of Example 15B are combined and concentrated. The resultant residue is dissolved in acetone and the acetone solution concentrated to about one-fourth its original volume then cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried yielding l7a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17- one 3-acetate.

EXAMPLE l6 1 7a-Azzz-DH0m0-l 3-Is0-1 ,3 ,5 (1 0) -Estmtriene-3 ,1 7a- Diol-I 7 -One A solution of 300 mg. of l7a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso- 1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1513) in 40 ml. of 5% methanolic potassium hydroxide is refluxed for 3t) minutes. The solution is then brought to neutrality with 2 N-hydrochloric acid and concentrated in vacuo to a residue of about 3 ml. The residue is triturated with water, filtered, dried and recrystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17aaza D homo-13-iso-l,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7- one, M.P. 294-298 C.

EXAMPLE 17 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-3,.I 7a-Dz'0l- 1 7-One 17a-aza D homo-1,3,5 (l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-l7- one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 15C) is reacted with methanolic potassium hydroxide in the manner of Example 16 to give 17a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one.

Alternatively, the compound of this example is prepared as follows.

From a solution of g. of yeast extract (Difco) in 3 l. of tap Water containing 13.2 g. of patassium dihydrogen phosphate and 26.4 g. of disodium hydrogen phosphate, 27 portions of 100 ml. each are withdrawn,

placed in 300 ml. Erlenmeyer flasks and sterilized by autoclaving for 15 minutes at 15 pound steam pressure C.). After autoclaving and cooling of the broth, 1 ml. of a suspension of Coryrzebacteriumsimplex (ATCC 6946) is placed in each flask and the flasks are then shaken at 220 r.p.m. and 28 C. for 24 hours.

Into each of the 27 Erlenmeyer flasks are placed mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-19-nor-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,l7- dione (the compound of Example 3B). The :flasks and contents are sterilized for 15 minutes at 15 pound steam pressure. To each flask is added 5 ml. of ethanol. The 24 hour bacterial culture is then transferred aseptically and the resulting suspensions shaken at 220 rpm. and 28 C. for 48 hours.

The contents of the flasks are then combined and extracted three times with 3 liters of chloroform per extraction. The combined chloroform extracts are evaporated to a residue which is dissolved in acetone. The acetone solution is concentrated to half the original volume then cooled. A solid separates which is filtered and dried to give 17aaza-D-homo-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7adiol-17-one.

EXAMPLE 18 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1,3,5 (10)-Estratriene-3,1 7a- Diol-I 7-One-3,17a-Diacetate A solution of 100 mg. of 17a-aza-D-horno-13-iso- 1,3,5 l0) -estratriene-3,l7a-diol-l7-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 15B) in 10 ml. of pyridine and 1 ml. of acetic anhydride is left at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17a-aza-D-homol3-iso-1,3,5(lO)-estratriene-3,17a-diol 17 one 3,17a-diacetate, M.P. 190 C., [a] '+5l.

Alternatively, 100 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one (the compound of Example 16) is reacted with pyridine and acetic anhydride to give l7a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, l7a-diol-17-one 3,17a-diacetate.

In a similar manner, 17a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one (the compound of Example 17) is reacted with pyridine and acetic anhydride in the above manner to give 17 a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5 10 -estratriene 3,17a-diol-l7-one 3,17a-diacetate.

EXAMPLE 19 J 7a-Aza-D-Hom0-1 3 Jso-I ,3,5 (1 0) -Estratriene-3 ,1 7a- Diol-l 7 -One-3 -A cetaze 1 7a-Benz0ale -A solution of 100 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-l3-isol,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-l7-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1513) in 10 ml. of pyridine and 1 ml. of benzoyl chloride is kept at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with water. The resultant precipitate is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17aaza D homo-l3-iso-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17- one 3-acetate 17a-benzoate.

EXAMPLE 20 1 7 a-Aza-D-H 0m 0-] 3 -Is0-1 ,3 ,5 Z 0 -Estratriene-3 ,1 7 a- Di0l 17-One 3-Methylether 17a-p-T0luenesulf0nate A solution of 1 g. of l7a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,l7a-diol-l7-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13A) in 10 ml. of pyridine is cooled in an ice-bath. A solution of 700 mg. of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in 6 ml. of methylene chloride is added and the solution left at 5 C. for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is then diluted with methylene chloride and washed first with hydrochloric acid, then with water, 10% aqueous sodium carbonate and finally with Water. The methylene chloride solution is dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to a residue which is recrystallized from methanol to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether sulfonate, M.P. 177-185 C. dec.

XAMPLE 21 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1 ,3,5 (10) -Estratriene-3,1 7a- Dil-17-One 3-Methylether 17a-Benz0aze To a solution of 100 mg. of l7a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 1,3,5 10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-1nethylether (the compound of Example 13A) in 10 ml. of pyridine is added 1 ml. of benzoyl chloride. The solution is allowed to stand at room temperature for 18 hours and is then poured into water. The aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and the ether extracts combined, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and then evaporated to a residue. The residue is chromatographed on Florisil which is eluted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride eluates are combined and concentrated to a residue which is crystallized from methylene chloride-hexane to give 17aaza D hom0-l3-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17 one 3-methylether 17a-benzoate, MP. 190195 C.

EXAMPLE 22 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-J3-Is0-1,3,5 (10)-Estratriene-3,1 7a- Diol-17-One 3,] 7a-Dimethylether To a stirred solution of 1 g. of 17a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso- 1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13A) in 100 ml. of ether is added a large molar excess of ethereal diazomethane followed by 0.1 ml. of boron trifluoride etherate. The solution is allowed to stand for 18 hours at room temperature and is then concentrated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized from acetone-hexane togive 17a-aza-D-hom-o-l3- iso-l,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one 3,17a-dimethylether.

In a similar manner, 17a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13B) is reacted with diazomethane to give 17aaza D ho-mo-1,3,5(1O)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3, 17a-dimethylether.

17a-p-toluene- EXAMPLE 23 1 7 a-A za-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1 ,3 ,5 (I 0) -Estratri 6116-3 ,1 7a- Diol-J 7-0116 S-Methylether 17a-n-Propylether To a solution of 500 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 1,3,5-( 10)-estratriene-3,17a=diol-l7-or1e 3-met'nylether (the compound of Example 13A) in 10 ml. of refluxing ethanol is added 0.45 ml. of n-propyl iodide and 2.5 ml. of 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The mixture is refluxed for 5 hours and then concentrated in vacuo to a residue. Water is added to the residue and a solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, air-dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 17a-aza-D- homo 13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-0ne 3- methylether l7a-napropylether.

Similarly, 17a-aza-D-h-omo-l,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,l7adiol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13B) is reacted with n-propyl iodide in the above-described manner to give l'la-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17a-diol'17-one 3-methylether l7a-napropylether.

EXAMPLE 24 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-ls0-1,3,5 (10) -Estratriene-3- Ol-17-One S-Methylether A solution of 90 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-1,3, 5(10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13A) in 9 ml. of ethylene glycol and 0.27 ml. of 95% hydrazine is refluxed for four hours. The reaction mixture is cooled and poured into dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid and ice. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from methanol-ethylacetate to give 17a-aza-D-homo- 13 iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17-one 3-methylether, MP. 225228 C., [a] 1.

In a similar manner, l7a-aza-D-homo-l,3,5(l0)-estra- I 1. 3 triene-Ia,l7a-diol-l7-one 3-methylether (the compound of Example 13B) is reacted with hydrazine in ethylene glycol to give 17aaza-D-homo-1,3,5 (10)-estratriene-3-ol-17- one 3-methylether.

EXAMPLE 25 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-3- Ol-17-One S-Benzoate 17a aza D-homo-13-iso-1,3,5-(10)-estratriene-3,17adiol-17-one 3-benzoate (the compound of Example 10B) is reacted with hydrazine in ethylene glycol in the manner of Example 24. The result-ant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 17a-aza-D- homo 13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estrat1ienel3-ol-l7-one 3-benzoate, Ml 265-270 C., [OL]D+ 19, (chloroform).

In a similar manner, 17aaza-D-homo-1,3,5(lO)-estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate (the compound of Example is reacted with hydrazine in ethylene glycol to give 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(l0)-estratr-iene-3,ol-17- one 3-benzoate.

EXAMPLE 26 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m 0-5u-13-Is0andr0stane-3oc-0l-1 7-One 3-Acetate To a stirred solution of 50 mg. of l7a-aza-D-homo-5a- 13-isoandrostane-3tt-17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1C) in 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid is added 250 mg. of zinc powder. The reaction mixture is refluxed and stirred for 4 hours, then filtered while hot, the residue on the filtrate being washed with a little hot acetic acid. The filtrate and washings are combined, poured into ice water and the resultant aqueous mixture extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts are combined, washed with 10% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, then water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to a residue. The residue is triturated with ether, filtered and crystallized from acetone-ether to give l7a-aza-D-homo-5a-l3- isoandrostane-3ot-ol-l7-one 3-acetate.

In the manner described above, 17a-az-a-D-ho=mo-5aandrostane-3a-17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1B) is reacted with zinc in glacial acetic acid to give l7a-aza-D-homo-5wandrostane-3a-ol-l7-oue B-acetate, M.P. 282284 C.

EXAMPLE 27 1 7a-Aza-D -H 01110-1 3 -I s0-4 -A na'roszene-il 7-Di0ne 17a aza D-homo-I3-iso-4-androstene-l7a-ol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 2C) is reacted with zinc in glacial acetic acid in the manner similar to that described in Example 26. The resultant product is isolated in the described manner and crystallized from ethyl acetate methanol to give 17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso-4aandrostene-3,17-dione.

Similarly, 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3,17-dione (the compound of Example 2B) is reacted with zinc in glacial acetic acid. The resultant product isolated and purified to give 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-3,17-dione, M.P. 258260 C.

EXAMPLE 28 100 mg. of 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-13-isoaudrostane-3a-ol- 17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 26) is dissolved in 15 ml. of refluxing 5% methanolic potassium hydroxide solution. The solution is refluxed for one hour then concentrated in vacuo to a residue containing a small amount of methanol. The residue is triturated with water, filtered, washed with water and dried to give 17a-aza- D-homo-S on- 1 3-isoandr-ostane-3 et-ol-17-one.

Alternatively, the compound of this example is prepared by reacting l7a-aza-D homo-5a-13-isoandrostane- 3u,17a-diol-17-one 3-acetate (the compound of Example 1C) with hydrazine in ethylene glycol in the manner described in Example 24.

17 EXAMPLE 29 1 7 a-A za-D-H m0-5 a-A ndrostane-3u,1 7a-D iol-J 7 One 1 7a-Methylether 17a aZa-D-hOmo-Sa-androstane-Sa,l7aad-iol-17-one 3- acetate 17a-methylether (prepared \as described in Example 8) is reacted with 5% methanolic potassium hydroxide in the manner of Example 6. The resultant product isolated in the manner described to give l7a-aza-D- homo-5a-androstane-3a,17a-diol-17-one 17a-methylether.

In a similar manner, l7a-aza-D-homo-5u-l3-isoandrostane-3a,17a-dio1-17-one 3-acetate l7a-methylether (prepared as described in Example 8) is reacted with methanolic potassium hydroxide to give l7a-azaD-homo-5al3-isoandrostane-3u-l7a-diol-l7-one 17a-methylether.

EXAMPLE 3O 1 7a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1,3,5 (1 0 -Estratriene-3,1 7a- Diol-17-One-3-Benzoate 1 7a-Methyleth'er 1 7a-Aza-D-H0mo-13-Iso-1,3,5 (10 -Estratrz'ene-3,Z 7 a Di0l-17-One 17a-Methylether 17a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso 1,3,5 (10) estratriene-3,l7adiol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-methylether (the compound of Example 30) is reacted with 5% methanolic potassium hydroxide in the manner described in Example 6 and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 17a-aza- D-homo-13-iso-l,3,5(l0)-estratriene 3,17a diol-17-one l7a-methylether.

Similarly, 17a-aZa-D-homo 1,3,5 (10) estratriene- 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-methylether (prepared as described in Example 30) is reacted with methanolic potassium hydroxide to give l7a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,l7a-diol-17one 17a-methyletl1er.

EXAMPLE 32 17a-Aza-D-H0m0-13-Is0-1,3,5 (10)-Estratriene-3,17a- Di0l-17-One 3-Pr0pi0nate l7a-Methylether l7a-aza-D-homo-13-iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,l7adiol-17-one l7a-methylether (the compound of Example 31) is reacted with propionic anhydride and pyridine in a manner similar to that described in Example 18. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 17a-aza-D-homo-l3-iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one 3-propionate l7a-methylether.

In a similar manner 17a-aza-D-homo 1,3,5 (10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one 17a-methylether (prepared as described in Example 31) is reacted with propionic anhydride and pyridine to give 17a-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)- estratriene 3,17a diol-17-one 3-propionate 17a-methylether.

EXAMPLE 33 1 7a-A Za-D-HOmO-Sa-A ndr0stane-3a,1 7aD i0l-1 7- One 3-Benzoate 17a-Methylether 17a-aza-D-homo-5wandrostane 3a,l7a diol-17-one l7a-methylether (the compound of Example 29) is reacted with benzoyl chloride and pyridine in the manner of Example 19. The resultant product is isolated and purified as described to give 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3a,17a-diol 17-one 3-benzoate 17a-methylether.

In a similar manner 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-13-isoandrostane-3a,l7a-diod-17-one 17a-methylether is. reacted with benzoyl chloride and pyridine to give l7a-aza-D-ho'mo- 5a-13-isoandrostane-3a,17a-diol 17 one 3-benzoate 17amethylether.

I claim:

1. A D-homo-steroid of the group consistingof:

3 X-17-keto-17a-aza-D-homo-1,3 ,5 10) -estrati."iene,

3Y-17-keto-l7a-aza-D-homo-5u-androstane, 3Y-17-keto-17a-aza-D-horno-Sa-iso-androstane,

3, l7-diketol7a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene,

3 17-diketol 7a-aza-D-homo-4 -iso-androstene.,

3,17-diketo-17a-aza-Dhomo-l9-nor 4 androstene,

and

3,17-diketo-17a-aza-Dhomo-19-nor 4 iso-androstene,

where X is a member of the group consisting of hydroxy, lower alkoxy, and an acyloxy' radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms; and Y is a member of the group consisting of hydroxy and an acyloxy radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms; said D-homo-steroid having attached to the 17a-nitrogen atom a sub-stituent of the group consisting of hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkanoyloxy, p-tolenesulfonyloxy, and methanesulfonyloxy.

2. 17a aza D homo 13 iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,l7a-diol-l7-one.

3. 17a aza D homo 1,3,5(10) estratriene 3,17a-diol-17-one.

4. 3-OR-l7a-OW-17a-aza-D-homo-13-iso- 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene-l7-one wherein R and W are acyl radicals of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

5.3 -OW- l7aaza-D-homo- 13 -iso-1,3,5(10) estratriene-l7a-ol-17-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

6. 3 OW 17a aza D homo 1,3,S(10) estratriene-17a-ol-l7-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

7. 3 loweralkoxy 17a aza D homo 1,3,5(10) estratriene-l7a-ol-l7-one.

8. 3 loweralkoxy 17 aza D homo 13 iso 1,3 ,5( l0) -estratriene-17a-ol-17-one.

9. 17a OW 3 loweralkoxy 17a aza D homo 13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

10. 17a OW 3 loweralkoxy 17a aza D homo 1,3,5 (l0)-estratriene-17-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

11. 17a OW 3 loweralkoxy -17a aza D homo 13-iso-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a sulfonic acid selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid and methane sulfonic acid.

12. 17a OW 3 loweralkoxy 17a aza D homo 1,3,5 l0) -estratriene-l7-one wherein W is an acyl radical of a sulfonic acid selected from the group consisting of p-toluene sulfonic acid and methane sulfonic acid.

13. 17a-aza-D-homo-5a-androstane-3a,l7a-diol-l7-one.

14. 17a aza D homo -13 iso 1,3,5(l0) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-benzoate 17a-acetate.

15. 17a aza D homo -13 iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-l7-one B-benzoate.

16. 17a aza D homo 1,3,5( 10)-estratriene 3,17adiol-l7-one 3-benzoate.

17. 17a aza D homo 13 iso 1,3,5(1*0) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3 methylether.

18. 17a aza D homo 1,3,5(10) estratiene 3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether.

19. 17a aza D homo 13 iso 1,3,5(10) estratriene-3,17a-diol-17-one 3-methylether 17a-acetate.

20. 17a-aza-D-homo-4-androstene-17a-ol-3 ,17-dione.

21. 17a aza D homo 4 androstene 17a ol 3,17-dione 17a-acetate.

22. 17a aza D homo 19 nor 4 androstene 17a-ol-3,17-dione.

23. A compound selected from the group consisting of 3-OR-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17fi-ol 17 nitrite, .3-OR-1,3,5- (10)-estratriene-17a-ol 17-nitrite, 3a-OR'-5a-androstane- 17B-ol 17-nitrite, 4-androstene-17fl-ol-3-one 17-nitrite and 19-nor-4-androstene-17B-ol-3-one 17-nitrite wherein R is a member of the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, and an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms, and R is a member of the group consisting of H and an acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid having up to eight carbon atoms.

24. In the process of preparing a steroid of the group consisting of a l7a-aza-D-homo-17a-hydroxy-17-ketoandrostane, a 17a aza D homo-17a-hydroxy-13-isoandrostane, a 17a-aza-D-homo-17a-hydroxyestrane, and a 17a-aZa-D-homo 17a hydroxy 13 isoestrane, the step which comprises irradiating a 17-nitrite ester of a steroid of the group consisting of a 16-desoxy-17-hydroxyandro stane, a 16-desoxy-17-hydroxy-13-isoandrostane, a 16- desoxy-17-hydroxyestrane, and a l6-desoxy-17-hydroxy- 13-isoestrane in a non-polar solvent with ultra-violet radiation, said radiation including an absorption band of the nitrite radical.

25. In the process of preparing a 17a-aza-D-homo- 17 a-hydroxy-17-keto steroid of the group consisting of the estrane and androstane series, the steps which comprise reacting a 16-desoXy-17-hydroxy steroid of the group consisting of the androstane and estrane series with a nitrosyl halide; and irradiating the 16-desoxy-17-nitrite ester thereby produced in a non-polar solvent with ultra-violet irradiation,.said radiation including an absorption band of the nitrite radical.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,738,350 Mazur Mar, 13, 1956 2,889,355 Ruzucka et al June 2, 1959 2,897,202 Wildi July 28, 1959 

1. A D-HOMO-STEROID OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF: 3X-17-KETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-1,3,5(10)-ESTRATRIENE, 3X-17-KETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-1,3,5(10)-ISO-ESTRATRIENE, 3Y-17-KETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-5A-ANDROSTANE, 3Y-17-KETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-5A-ISO-ANDROSTANE, 3,17-DIKETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-4-ANDROSTENE, 3,17-DIKETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-4-SIO-ANDROSTENE, 3,17-DIKETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-19-NOR - 4 - ANDROSTENE, 3,17-DIKETO-17A-AZA-D-HOMO-19-NOR - 4 - ISO-ANDROSTENE, WHERE X IS A MEMBER OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROXY, LOWER ALKOXY, AND AN ACYLOXY RADICAL OF A HYDROCARBON CARBOXYLIC ACID HAVING UP TO EIGHT CARBON ATOMS; AND Y IS A MEMBER OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROXY AND AN ACYLOXY RADICAL OF A HYDROCARBON CARBOXYLIC ACID HAVING UP TO EIGHT CARBON ATOMS; SAID D-HOMO-STEROID HAVING ATTACHED TO THE 17A-NITROGEN ATOM A SUBSTITUENT OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROXY, LOWER ALKOXY, LOWER ALKANOYLOXY, P-TOLENESULFONYLOXY, AND METHANESULFONYLOXY. 